In the wake of the recent Writers Guild of America strike, Snoop Dogg had some strong words about the lackluster streaming models that have ultimately resulted in the WGA going on strike over compensation.
“[Artists] need to figure it out the same way the writers are figuring it out,” Snoop said during a panel on Wednesday, reported by Variety. “The writers are striking because [of] streaming, they can’t get paid. Because when it’s on the platform, it’s not like in the box office.”
He proceeded with his thought process and conveyed his significant disappointment:
“I don’t understand how the f**k you get paid off of that s**t. Somebody explain to me how you can get a billion streams and not get a million dollars?… That’s the main gripe with a lot of us artists is that we do major numbers … but it don’t add up to the money. Like where the f**k is the money?”
Shadow and Act reported that this is the first WGA strike in 15 years.
The guild states writers face an “existential crisis” as more studios refuse to acknowledge the work that goes into writing for television and film. The guild said, “The companies’ behavior has created a gig economy inside a union work force, and their immovable stance in this negotiation has betrayed a commitment to further devaluing the profession of writing.”
Per S&A, guild members are looking for pay increases and changes to the current business model that makes it challenging for writers to earn a living, citing streaming platforms decreasing median writer-producer pay. The guild said, “The companies have used the transition to streaming to cut writer pay and separate writing from production, worsening working conditions for series writers at all levels.” While writers are “working at a minimum regardless of experience,” TV and film executives have seen their salaries increase. Writers have cited that streaming shows run fewer episodes than broadcast, which makes income unstable. Also, writers see little to no residual fees for streaming shows since streaming doesn’t utilize syndication rules.
During the panel, Snoop Dogg also teased his forthcoming on-screen projects, including his role in MGM and Amazon’s upcoming sports comedy film, The Underdoggs, and his upcoming biopic with Universal Pictures.
When asked about unscripted entertainment, Snoop subliminally verified that it was in progress.
“We slated to get rocking and rolling … after I strike,” he said.
